[imra] Daily digest - Volume: 2 Issue: 1388 (10 messages)

imra Thu May 11 02:20:24 2006 Volume 2 : Issue 1388

In this issue of the imra daily Digest:

PCPO Poll No. 154 economical and
political conditions in the Palestinian territories
Text: Quartet Statement - New York, 9 May 2006
- endorse temporary international mechanism
Excerpts: Political impact of reform judges.
Hamas threat.10 May 2006
Old City Event for Jonathan Pollard
Thursday 11 May 2006 Jus
MEMRI: Egyptian Cleric: U.N. Documents
Assert Corruption Originates From Jews
Old City Event for Jonathan Pollard
Thursday 11 May 2006 8:30 PM
Three Reports on Palestinian Security
Chaos and Proliferation of Small Arms
Text: Pres. of Iran to Pres. Bush
- Israel not even cited in concluding list of complaints
IDF Targets Structure Used for Terror
Activity in the Gaza Strip
Excerpts: Trouble in Egypt.
Hamas plots to attack in Jordan. 11 May 2006

----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: PCPO Poll No. 154 economical and
political conditions in the Palestinian territories

Poll No.154 Date:
10 May 2006

In a survey prepared by Dr. Nabil Kukali about the economical and political
conditions in the Palestinian territories has shown that:

* A clear majority (57.7%) evaluate the general economic condition in the
Palestinian territories as "bad".

*A clear majority (61.7%) believe that the Palestinian government is
incapable of providing job opportunities.

* Around one- third (33.9%) think of leaving their present residences and
travel abroad.

* More than one third (38.3%) are in favor of Hamas, (31.9%) are in favor of
Fatah.

* An overwhelming majority (85.3%) believe that the European and US-American
financial aid contributes to the well-
being of the Palestinian people.

* A clear majority (58.8%) are discontent with the quality of their lives
and the lives of their families.

* An overwhelming majority (92.1%) consider the permit of Syria regarding
the entry of the Palestinians to its
territories as a step in the right direction.

Introduction:

In the most recent survey prepared by Dr. Nabil Kukali, Director of the
Palestinian Center for Public Opinion (PCPO), and conducted during the
period from April 27th to 1st of May, 2006, a random sample consisting of
(680) Palestinian adults over 18 years old representing the different
demographic samples of the population living in the West Bank, including
East Jerusalem, and Gaza Strip has been interviewed. The survey result has
revealed that (57.7%) of the respondents evaluated the general economic
condition in the Palestinian territories as "bad". The dominating rate
thereof, specifically (84.4%), are residents of Gaza Strip, compared with
(42.5%) who are residents of the West Bank.

Dr. Nabil Kukali said the survey results show undoubtedly that the
Palestinian territories are passing now through an extremely difficult
economic condition and are suffering from a very pressing economic crisis.
He added that the suspension of the EU und US financial aid, and that of
other foreign countries, amounting together to ca. one billion US-dollars
annually, as well as the freezing of the monies due to the Palestinians by
Israel, which are amounting to ca. US$ 60 million per month and representing
almost two thirds of the local revenues, will increase the disaster of the
economic conditions for the Palestinians and may cause an economic collapse
within a short period of time.

Dr. Kukali emphasized the significance of providing a normal life for the
Palestinian people, which, he said, is a basic issue for keeping security
and stability in the region. Starvation and economic sanctions will create
more chaos and violence in the region and will affect everybody without
exception, leading certainly to very much undesired and dangerous
conditions. This calls for the concentration of all efforts to solve this
crisis and reach a solution, which may save all parties from the further
deterioration of the situation, Dr. Kukali added.

The Objective of the Study:

The target of this survey is to probe the economic conditions of the
Palestinian people in the shadow of the international embargo imposed on the
Palestinian government led by Hamas. Furthermore, the survey aims at probing
the extent of the people's support to the Palestinian parties and factions
three-and-half months after the legislative elections. We examined also in
this survey what Palestinians would advice their Prime Minister, Mr. Ismael
Haniyyeh, to do in the prevailing crisis and cast light on the significance
of the EU and US financial aid for the well-being of the Palestinian people

The Findings:

The economic condition:
A clear majority (58%) of the respondents evaluated their personal economic
condition as "bad", whilst (36.2%) described it as "mediocre", and only
(5.8%) as "good".

Asked about their opinion of the general economic condition in the
Palestinian territories, (57.7%) of the Palestinians evaluated it as "bad",
(34.4%) described it as "mediocre", only (7.4%) gave it the rating "good"
and (0.5%) declined to respond to the question.

An economic program to face the crisis:

Responding to the question: "Do you think Mr. Ismael Haniyyeh and his
cabinet have put an economic program to face the present crisis?", (40.7%)
answered "yes", (53.6%) said "no" and (5.7%) answered "I don't know".

The Authority can't provide job opportunities:

A clear majority (61.7%) agree to the statement that the Palestinian
government is incapable of providing job opportunities for the unemployed
Palestinian laborers, while (35.3%) disagree to it and (3.0%) abstain.

Quality of life:

Regarding the question: "To which extent are you today generally content
with the quality of your life and the life of your family?", (20.5%) said
"very discontent", (38.3%) are "discontent", (25.2%) said "so so" and only
(12.6%) are "content". (3.0%) said they are "very content", and (0.4%) said
"I don't know".

A majority (49.5%) of the respondents are of the opinion that the present
Palestinian government is not qualified to improve the quality of life for
the Palestinians in the near future, whilst (47.1%) think "it's qualified"
and (3.4%) refrain from answering.

Concerns of the Citizen:

Responding to the question: "What is your main concern at present?", (32.6%)
said "the job and earning money", (30.5%) said "the security", (19.7%) "the
health" and (17.2%) "the future".

Moving abroad:

Regarding the question: "Have you ever thought in the last years, or think
now of leaving your present residence and moving abroad to another country,
where you intend to dwell permanently?", (65.3%) answered " I didn't have
that in mind ", (33.9%) said "yes, I thought of that", and (0.8 %) answered
" I don't know ".

Supporting parties and factions:

Responding to the question: " If there would be now political, municipal or
NGOs elections on the basis of the proportional representation (i.e. voting
for one list), for which list would you cast your vote ?", the answers were
as follows: (38.3%) would vote for Hamas, (31.9%) for Fatah, (11.9%) for
the left-wing and national organizations, (12.8%) did not decide yet,
(2.4%) for the Islamic Jihad and (2.7%) hesitated to answer.

Significance of the foreign aid:

Responding to the question: "Up to which extent does the European and US
financial aid contribute generally to the Palestinians' well-being?",
(39.2%) answered "to a high degree", (46.1%) said "to a moderate degree",
(10.1%) "to a slight degree", while (4.1%) said "to a nil degree" and (0.5%)
"Don't know".

What the Prime Minister should do:

Regarding the open question: "If you were in the position of counseling the
Palestinian PM, Mr. Ismael Haniyyeh, which advice you would give him ?", the
answers were as follows:

(25.0%) to put an economic program for the improvement of the living
conditions.
(13.1%) to stick to the national positions.
(10.3%) to negotiate with Israel and recognize it.
(6.5%) to combat lawlessness.
(5.7%) to form a government of national unity.
(5.5%) to resign and leave the field for others.
(5.0%) would tell him: "Be patient, Sheikh Ismael Haniyyeh ! May God be
with you !.
(4.1%) to consider in his resolutions the interests of the Palestinian
people.
(3.5%) to exterminate corruption.
(2.6%) to continue the resistance and the struggle (Jihad).
(2.6%) to be realistic and abandon rhetoric.
(2.4%) to respect the deals and agreements signed with the Palestinian
Authority.
(2.0%) to judge justly and not to discriminate between the normal people
and Hamas members.
(1.7%) to establish good relations with the Arab and Islamic countries.
(1.7%) to administer the Palestinian Authority efficiently.
(1.5%) to recognize the PLO.
(1.4%) not to recognize Israel.
(1.2%) to come to an understanding with the PA-President Mr. Mahmoud
Abbas.
(1.2%) to care for the issues of the detainees and refugees.
(1.0%) to strengthen the ties with America and the European Union.
(1.0%) to change Hamas charter.
(0.5%) to abandon the policy of resistance.
(0.4%) to go back to the opposition.

Permitting the Palestinians to enter Syria:

An overwhelming majority (92.1%) of the Palestinian people consider the
Syrian-Palestinian deal permitting Palestinians holding the Palestinian
travel document to enter the Syrian territories as a substantial step in the
right direction, whilst (3.5%) are of the opposite opinion and (4.4%)
express no opinion.

Methodology of the Survey Study:

"All interviews took place on the basis of random choices of respondents'
homes, i.e. face-to-face during different working hours, at least 5 hours a
day, including the evening time, in order to ensure proper representation of
those sub-groups of the population, which would otherwise be difficult to
reach and selecting one individual in each household using Last Birthday
Method. ", Mr. Elias Kukali, a staff member of the Research & Studies
Section at the PCPO, said. The choices were taken from a total of (146)
election sites, from which (109) sites are located in West Bank and (37)
sites in Gaza Strip according to the distribution of the Central Election
committee. These election sites were randomly chosen by using the method of
the simple random sample. These in turn were the beginning of the random
sample choice made from those regions in accordance with PCPO's long
experienced methodology. The margin of error was (�3.76%) at a significance
and confidence levels of (5%) and (95%) respectively.

Elias Kukali added "the percentage of female respondents was (48.6%) whereas
that of the male respondents reached (51.4%). He said the composition of the
sample according to the residential area was as follows: (64.2%) West Bank,
including East Jerusalem, and (35.8%) Gaza Strip. He further pointed out
that the allocation of the sample in respect of the type of residence was as
follows: (51.3%) city, (31.7%) village and (17.0%) refugee camp. The
distribution of the sample with regard to the marital status of the
respondents was as follows: (30.4%) single, (67.5%) married and (2.1%)
otherwise.

Contact Persons: Dr. Nabil Kukali & Elias Kukali
Tel: 00970 2 277 4846, Fax: 00970 2 277 4892
Mobile: 00972 547 216 643 / 00970 599 726 878
P.O. Box 15, Beit Sahour - Palestine
Email: kukali@p-ol.com
Website: www.pcpo.ps

------------------------------

From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: Text: Quartet Statement - New York, 9 May 2006
- endorse temporary international mechanism

Quartet Statement - New York, 9 May 2006
www.un.org/news/dh/infocus/middle_east/quartet-9may2006.htm

Representatives of the Quartet -- U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan, Russian
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Austrian Foreign Minister Ursula Plassnik,
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, High Representative for European
Common Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana, and European Commissioner
for External Relations Benita Ferrero-Waldner -- met today in New York to
discuss the situation in the Middle East. The Quartet also met with Egyptian
Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Jordanian Foreign Minister Abdelelah
al-Khatib, and Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal to exchange
views on regional issues.

The Quartet expressed its appreciation for the service of James Wolfensohn
as Quartet Special Envoy for Gaza Disengagement, and noted his central role
in the conclusion of the Agreement on Movement and Access and the
promulgation of an agenda for Palestinian economic recovery.

The Quartet underscored its continued commitment to the principles of
partnership and negotiation leading to a two-state solution, as embodied in
the Roadmap. A lack of action by the parties in certain key areas has
stalled progress on the Roadmap. The Quartet underscored the need for both
parties to avoid actions which could prejudge final status issues or
undermine progress toward this goal.

The Quartet reiterated its grave concern that the Palestinian Authority
government has so far failed to commit itself to the principles of
nonviolence, recognition of Israel, and acceptance of previous agreements
and obligations, including the Roadmap. The Quartet noted the absence of a
commitment to these principles has inevitably impacted direct assistance to
that government and expressed its deep concern about the consequences for
the Palestinian people. The donor members noted their willingness to work
toward the restoration of international assistance to the Palestinian
Authority government once it has committed to these principles.

The Quartet discussed the current situation in Israel and the West Bank, and
Gaza. It condemned the Palestinian Authority government's failure to take
action against terrorism and the justification of the April 17 suicide
bombing in Tel Aviv. The Quartet urged it to act decisively against
terrorism and bring an end to violence. The Quartet noted that President
Abbas condemned the April 17 attack as he has consistently condemned all
acts of terrorism in the past.

The Quartet expressed its concern over Israeli military operations that
result in the loss of innocent life. The Quartet calls for restraint and
asks Israel to bear in mind the potential consequences of its actions for
the population. The Quartet expressed its concern about settlement
expansion. It continues to note with concern the route of the barrier,
particularly as it results in the confiscation of Palestinian land and cuts
off the movement of people and goods. The Quartet reiterated the importance
of both parties avoiding unilateral measures which prejudice final status
issues.

The Quartet discussed the humanitarian situation in the West Bank and Gaza.
It expressed serious concern about deteriorating conditions, particularly in
Gaza. The Quartet expressed concern about delivery of humanitarian
assistance, economic life, social cohesion, and Palestinian institutions.
The Quartet reiterated its support for assistance directed to help meet the
basic human needs of the Palestinian people and promotion of Palestinian
democracy and civil society, and called upon the international community to
respond urgently to assistance requests by international organizations,
especially UN agencies, active in the West Bank and Gaza. The Quartet urged
both parties to take concrete steps to implement their obligations under the
Agreement on Movement and Access.

Recalling its commitment of January 30 that it is mindful of the needs of
the Palestinian people, the Quartet expressed its willingness to endorse a
temporary international mechanism that is limited in scope and duration,
operates with full transparency and accountability, and ensures direct
delivery of assistance to the Palestinian people. If these criteria can be
met, the operation of the temporary international mechanism should begin as
soon as possible and be reviewed after three months to determine whether it
should continue. The Quartet welcomed the offer of the European Union to
develop and propose such a mechanism. It invites other donors and
international organizations to consider participation in such a mechanism.
It urged Israel in parallel to take steps to improve the humanitarian
situation of the Palestinian people. The Quartet reiterates that the
Palestinian Authority government must fulfill its responsibilities with
respect to basic human needs, including health services, as well as for
proper fiscal management and provision of services.

The Quartet welcomed Prime Minister Olmert's call for negotiations with a
Palestinian partner committed to the principles of the Roadmap, as the most
stable and desired basis for the political process. The Quartet welcomed
President Abbas' continued commitment to a platform of peace. The Quartet is
encouraged by these statements of intent.

Finally, the Quartet reaffirmed its commitment to its previous statements
and to a just, comprehensive, and lasting settlement to the conflict based
upon UN Security Council Resolutions 242, 338, 1397 and 1515. The Quartet
will remain seized of the matter.

------------------------------

From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: Excerpts: Political impact of reform judges.
Hamas threat.10 May 2006

Excerpts: Political impact of reform judges.Hamas threat.10 May 2006

+++THE DAILY Star (Lebanon) 10 May '06: "Are judges the true hope for
Egyptian reform? By Rami G. Khouri
QUOTE FROM TEXT:
"credible political change can happen in the Arab world, keep your eye on
the judges in Egypt"
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXCERPTS

...Will Egyptian judges who change Egyptian politics also shake up political
power throughout the Arab world, as Poland's independent trade union,
Solidarity, did in 1980, ultimately sending out ripples that brought down
the Soviet empire a decade later? Perhaps.
For those who look for signs of change in an Egyptian political order ...it
is worth keeping an eye on the judges in Egypt. ... If the judges coalesce
into a sustained, independent movement they may have enormous impact, in a
way not achieved by others who have tried to modernize and democratize
Egyptian politics in recent years.
.... Judges are numerous, over 8,000 in all, ... have shown signs of
courageous agitation against heavy-handed state controls, notably in the
past year ... .Ordinary Egyptians look up to the judges as honest people and
connect with their demands. And the judges operate on the basis of pivotal
principles - the rule of law, independence of the judiciary, fair election
monitoring - that can directly eat away at the autocratic power structure,
and instead promote a more democratic , pluralistic and contested system.
But here is the real potential importance of Egypt's judges moving
politically to forge a more open, honest political system: Every single
significant political tradition in the modern Arab world (good and bad)
started in Egypt, and spread from there to other lands. . ...
...If Egyptian judges can organize and challenge their government to open
up the political system, the impact on the rest of the Arab world would be
immense - as was the impact of Poland's first free trade union in the Gdansk
shipyard.
This is the good news. The bad news is that the Mubarak government also
understands this, and has started to crush and discredit the judges, just as
it has moved against every other challenge it has faced in the past long
generation of the president's perpetual incumbency. ...The Judge's Club
...have also started calling for democracy and free elections.
"... what is important is ... the right of the Egyptian people to have an
independent judiciary, democracy and free elections," Bastawisy told The
Associated Press after the hearing (on arrested judges). ... At the hearing,
2,000 demonstrators showed up outside the court to support the two judges,
many mobilized by the two-year-old Kefaya ("Enough") movement. The
government sent an estimated 10,000 policemen to intimidate potential or
actual protesters and assert state authority. Such overkill has been typical
of the Mubarak style in recent years.
Those who have tried to break through airtight state political controls ...
have all suffered the wrath of the state and its vast security system,
usually ending up in jail for a period of time. Dozens more activists were
jailed this week, and the government also just renewed the much-hated
emergency laws for another two years.
The judges frighten the regime because they are numerous, organized,
respected, credible, politically active, and making reasonable demands. They
could generate public enthusiasm for their cause of the rule of law, and
forge a powerful link between the activism of political figures and the
widespread concerns of largely depoliticized ordinary citizens, which would
be difficult for the state to suppress.
If you wonder how homegrown, credible political change can happen in the
Arab world, keep your eye on the judges in Egypt.

+++JORDAN TIMES 10 May '06:Palestinian team in Amman over Hamas plots"by AFP
QUOTE FROM TEXT:
"plots by some Hamas members to smuggle arms into Jordan and carry out
attacks in the country"
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FULL TEXT:
Palestinian intelligence chief Tareq Abu Rajab was due in Amman Tuesday (9
May) for talks with officials on plots by some Hamas members to smuggle arms
into Jordan and carry out attacks in the country. The talks between Abu
Rajab, his deputy and other security officials are to take place today,
Palestinian Ambassador to Jordan Atallah Khairy told AFP. Hamas, which now
heads the Palestinian government, denied any involvement and refused to
participate in the talks - AFP

Sue Lerner - Associate - IMRA

------------------------------

From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: Old City Event for Jonathan Pollard
Thursday 11 May 2006 Jus

Old City Event for Jonathan Pollard Thursday 11 May 2006

Justice4JP Release - May 10, 2006

The public is invited to attend an educational evening in honor of Jonathan
Pollard at Yeshivat HaKotel in the Old City of Jerusalem 11 May 2006

A play about Jonathan Pollard, PATZUAH BASHETACH (Wounded in The
Battlefield), will be staged by the Aspeclaria theatre group. After the play
Esther Pollard, Jonathan's wife, will respond to questions. The evening will
be conducted in Hebrew, but questions can be posed in English or in Hebrew.

A representative of the Jerusalem based COMMITTEE TO BRING JONATHAN POLLARD
HOME will give an update on current activities and other relevant
information. Bumper stickers and balcony banners will be available on the
spot.

To cover costs for the event a donation of NIS 30 is requested at the door.

Again, here are the details:

EVENT: An educational evening for Jonathan Pollard.
Includes The Play PATZUAH BASHETACH and Q&A with Esther Pollard

WHERE: Yeshivat HaKotel, Old City of Jerusalem
(Near the steps going down to the Kotel)

WHEN: Thursday, May 11, 2006

ENTRY: Donation of NIS 30

See you there!

------------------------------

From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: MEMRI: Egyptian Cleric: U.N. Documents
Assert Corruption Originates From Jews

Special Dispatch - Egypt/Antisemitism Documentation Project
May 10, 2006
No. 1161

Egyptian Cleric and Former Islamic Lecturer in the U.S. Hazem Sallah Abu
Isma'il on Al-Risala TV: Lectures on the Jews' Conflicts With Islam's
Prophet Muhammad, Stating U.N. Documents Assert "82% of All Attempts to
Corrupt Humanity Originate from the Jews"

In the April 14, 2006, edition of his weekly show on Al-Resala TV, The
Raids, in which he discusses the battles of the Prophet Muhammad, Egyptian
cleric Hazem Sallah Abu Isma'il explains to his audience that, according to
U.N. statistics, "Jews produce more than 82% of the video clips in the
world," and adds that "82% of all attempts to corrupt humanity originate
from the Jews."

Isma'il, a wealthy lawyer and businessman(1) who is also, according to
Al-Jazeera TV, head of the Committee for Implementation of Shari'a of the
Egyptian Lawyers' Union,(2) was a strong Muslim Brotherhood candidate for
the Dokki district in the November 2005 elections in Egypt, but lost in a
surprise upset to a member of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak's party. (3)

According to the Saudi channel Iqra TV, Ismail is the son of former Egyptian
MP Sheikh Sallah Abu Isma'il, and spent some time in the U.S. with his
mother Dr. Nawwal Nur, who lives in Los Angeles, with whom he preached and
taught Islam there. In a July 15, 2004 interview with Iqra TV on the subject
of 9/11, Isma'il stated that he believed that "these events [i.e. 9/11] were
fabricated from the outset as part of the global groundwork for the
distortion of Islam's image [...] a comprehensive global plan that includes
a media aspect," and that "the authorities there [i.e. in the U.S.] don't
want to conduct an investigation."

The following are excerpts from the April 14, 2006 lecture by Sheikh Hazem
Sallah Abu Isma'il, which aired on Al-Risala TV.

TO VIEW THIS CLIP, VISIT: www.memritv.org/search.asp?ACT=S9&P1=1129 .

It is followed by excerpts from the July 15, 2004 interview with Hazem
Sallah Abu Isma'il and his mother Dr. Nawwal Nur, on Iqra TV.

TO VIEW THIS CLIP, VISIT: www.memritv.org/search.asp?ACT=S9&P1=168 .

April 14, 2006: On the Battle of Badr

Sheikh Hazem Sallah Abu Isma'il: "As I always say, when I am at an airport,
I see young Jews with a cause, young Americans with a cause, young Western
men, young Eastern men, young Japanese - they all have causes, which they
respect. Young Muslims and Arabs, on the other hand, care only about pretty
girls and pleasure... This is why we find ourselves trampled underfoot.

[...]

"As I've told you, following the great victory at the Battle of Badr, the
Muslims felt joy and enjoyed stability, but the Jews, the hypocrites, and
the infidels felt boiling rage and fury towards Islam. For instance, if they
encountered a Muslim woman in the market, they would harass her. As you
know, things like that have also happened recently, following 9/11. Muslims
were harassed in the markets of America and Europe. There were some
incidents, although not many, in which a man would strip a Muslim woman of
her veil in the market."

[...]

"82% of All Attempts to Corrupt Humanity Originate From the Jews"

"The Jews are determined to own the media, in order to control the ears and
eyes of the youth. Do you know that all those songs that appear in movies...
The percentage of Jewish-produced video clips worldwide, according to
statistics from 2003... Jews produce more than 82% of the video clips in the
world. The Jews! These are not Islamic statistics, but statistics by the
U.N. organization for media, culture, and science. Eighty-two percent of all
attempts to corrupt humanity originate from the Jews. You must know this so
that we can know what should be done.

"The Jews' control of the media involved poets, like Ka'b Ibn Al-Ashraf. He
was a well-known poet. Like the international actors, he was tall,
fair-skinned, handsome, good-looking, and perfumed - the pinnacle of
splendor and glory. A beautiful sight! He was a poet, and he began writing
poems about... Have you heard of Salman Rushdie? Have you heard about that
woman from the Indian Peninsula or Bangladesh, who wrote against Islam? He
wrote against Islam just like they do today.

[...]

"This guy Ka'b began publishing poems about the wives of Muslims. He
referred to the wives of Muslims, and damaging their honor. In other poems
he would curse the Prophet, ridicule him, and say improper things about him.
In a third type of poem, he would curse the Prophet's companions, and
compare them to animals - dogs, sheep, and camels. This was a type of
insult. The Arabs of those times loved poetry, as the verse says: 'Poetry is
the language of the Arabs.' For Arabs, poetry is sharper than the sword."

[...]

"Islam Did Not Fight the Jews Because They are Jews, But Because They
Violated the Agreements"

"Then a terrible incident took place, when they killed a Muslim. If anyone
ever asks you how the Muslims came to fight the Jews, tell them that Islam
did not fight the Jews because they are Jews, but because they violated the
agreements.

[...]

"A woman went to the Jewish market of the Qaynuq'a tribe to buy gold from a
goldsmith. She went to buy a ring or earrings. She sat down, and a Jew asked
her: 'Why do you cover your face?'

[...]

"While she was sitting, preoccupied with [her business], he took a pin, and
used it to attach the edge of her garment to the garment itself. She was
unwilling to reveal her face, but when she got up with the edge of her
garment pinned up, she was exposed - the lower part of her body was exposed.
Her private parts were exposed. This is a horrendous thing for regular
Arabs, let alone for Muslims.

"This was not the first time such a thing occurred. The Jews would harass
the Muslims in the marketplace time and again, as I've told you. The Jews
gathered around her and started laughing: 'You did not want to reveal your
face?!' They clapped their hands and were happy. The blood boiled in the
veins of one of the Muslims, and he approached the Jew who did this, and
killed him. The Jews went up to the Muslim and killed him in the market.

[...]

"In our own Islamic state, our own rule, women's private parts are being
exposed, and men are being killed? Is this what we have come to?
Nevertheless, the Prophet did not fight or kill the Jews. He went to them
and said: 'You will not remain in Al-Madina after this.'"

[...]

"How Wonderful are the Justice and Wisdom of Islam"

"How wonderful are the justice and wisdom of Islam. How wonderful, brothers,
is... how should I put it... the dream of Islam. How wonderful is the
tranquility of Islam, while it confronts those violators of agreements. But
do you think that once they were out of Al-Madina they kept quiet? Ka'b Ibn
Al-Ashraf, about whom I told you, wrote an [anti-Muslim] poem, and
distributed it far and wide.

[...]

"I know that many people will start talking to me about 'suicide
operations,' martyrdom-seeking operations, political assassinations, and so
on, just because the Prophet gave the order to kill Ka'b Ibn Al-Ashraf. He
gave the order because K'ab was the propaganda machine, the apparatus for
boosting the morale in the camp of the Jewish combatants. Ka'b Ibn Al-Ashraf
was not the kind of person about whom you could say: Let's just shoot him,
and he'll die. He was the apparatus for boosting the morale in the Jewish
army. He was the apparatous for military propaganda in the Jewish army.

[...]

"And thus, the story of Ka'b Ibn Al-Ashraf came to an end. This was the end
of one of the mouthpieces of Jewish propaganda. Some people today want to
hold us responsible. They say: 'What you did was a political assassination.'

"What the Prophet did was not a political assassination, but an act which
was part of a war. Besides, the Prophet did not commit this political
assassination until Muslims were permitted to fight and wage jihad."

July 15, 2004, Iqra TV

Host: "I would like to ask you about the image of Islam and Muslims in the
US following the events of 9/11. Was this image completely distorted?"

Nawwal Nur: "No, not at all, praise Allah. The number of Muslims over there
has risen, and people know more about Islam. Initially, they were very
surprised to hear that there is a religion such as this, and then they began
reading about it more and more. Islamic culture increased in this period. I
do not believe that?"

Host: "Did this horrible event, condemned by all the Muslims in the world,
not change the image of Islam in the US?"

Nawwal Nur: "No, not at all, it has not even been proven that Muslims
committed it. There hasn't even been an investigation, there is nothing.
They are confused about what happened. That is why they started to learn
about Islam. Is it really possible that Islam would instigate such a thing?
No, impossible. That is why more people converted to Islam."

Host: "Even if we were to claim that some Muslims committed such a thing and
we would accept this hypothetically, then the responsibility for this lies
squarely on those who committed it, not on Islam."

Nawwal Nur: "True. The US is full of terrorism and gangs, and it has
violence, murder and perversions. Is Christianity responsible for all this?"

Host: "No, of course not."

Nawwal Nur: "Not at all, I mean, these are individual cases?"

Host: "Even if one Muslim made a mistake, it's his responsibility and not
Islam's, not Islam's. Sir, do you agree with your mother's description?"

Abu Isma'il: "No... Sir, there is a difference between presenting the real
issue and presenting the issue fabricated by the media."

Host: "All right!"

Abu Isma'il: "I am one of those who believe these events were fabricated
from the outset as part of the global groundwork for the distortion of
Islam's image. I mean this is part of a comprehensive global plan that
includes a media aspect. Even before these events took place there was
preparation for them?

"There is a fabricated plan, or a fabricated image of Islam. They say, 'Come
and we will show you Islam, which is such and such.' They do not see that if
they blame the Muslims for bringing down two buildings in the U.S. on 9/11,
so how many buildings did they bring down in Palestine, Afghanistan, or
Iraq?

"What is the number of buildings the US itself brought down in these
countries? At the same time, the amazing thing is the shock in the US,
producing national fundamentalism.

"Later, I was surprised by a certain question, and the truth is I didn't
make an effort to find it but read it in one of the newspapers published in
the US. It said, 'We are not going to tell you if it has been proved whether
Muslims carried out the events of 9/11 or not.'"

[...]

"'We will tell you why the American authorities insist on not conducting an
investigation into who caused these events?' The authorities there don't
want to conduct an investigation."

Endnotes:
(1) http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=1284996&page=3 ,
November 5, 2005.
(2) www.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/B68AD6B4-99CF-4D6D-9B6D-4374A9D1F1AB.htm .
(3) Associated Press, Main Mubarak Challenger Now Loses Parliament Seat,
Muslim Brotherhood Does Well, November 10, 2005.

*********************
The Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) is an independent,
non-profit organization that translates and analyzes the media of the Middle
East. Copies of articles and documents cited, as well as background
information, are available on request.

MEMRI holds copyrights on all translations. Materials may only be used with
proper attribution.

The Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI)
P.O. Box 27837, Washington, DC 20038-7837
Phone: (202) 955-9070
Fax: (202) 955-9077
E-Mail: memri@memri.org
Search previous MEMRI publications at www.memri.org

------------------------------

From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: Old City Event for Jonathan Pollard
Thursday 11 May 2006 8:30 PM

Justice4JP Release - May 10, 2006

The public is invited to attend an educational evening in honor of Jonathan
Pollard at Yeshivat HaKotel in the Old City of Jerusalem 11 May 2006

A play about Jonathan Pollard, PATZUAH BASHETACH (Wounded in The
Battlefield), will be staged by the Aspeclaria theatre group. After the play
Esther Pollard, Jonathan's wife, will respond to questions. The evening will
be conducted in Hebrew, but questions can be posed in English or in Hebrew.

A representative of the Jerusalem based COMMITTEE TO BRING JONATHAN POLLARD
HOME will give an update on current activities and other relevant
information. Bumper stickers and balcony banners will be available on the
spot.

To cover costs for the event a donation of NIS 30 is requested at the door.

Again, here are the details:

EVENT: An educational evening for Jonathan Pollard.
Includes The Play PATZUAH BASHETACH and Q&A with Esther Pollard

WHERE: Yeshivat HaKotel, Old City of Jerusalem
(Near the steps going down to the Kotel)

WHEN: Thursday, May 11, 2006 8:30 PM

ENTRY: Donation of NIS 30

See you there!

------------------------------

From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: Three Reports on Palestinian Security
Chaos and Proliferation of Small Arms

PCHR
Palestinian Centre for Human Rights

#1 Security Chaos and Proliferation of Small Arms
Clashes between Armed Groups and Security Forces

Field Update
10 May 2006

Renewal of Armed Clashes between Fatah and Hamas in Khan Yunis

Yesterday afternoon, armed clashes between Fatah and Hamas activists
re-ignited in the town of New Abasan, east of Khan Yunis. Two people, one
of them a child, were injured during the funeral procession of two victims
who had been killed during clashes on the previous day.

PCHR's initial investigation indicates that at approximately 17:30 on
Tuesday, 9 May 2006, armed clashes erupted between members of Fatah and
Hamas in New Abasan. Two civilians were injured, including a 15-year-old
boy. The injured are:
- Zeyad Hasan Qablan, 18, injured by a bullet to the left leg; and
- Arkan Bahader El-Daghma, 15, injured by a bullet to the abdomen.

The fighting occurred during the funeral procession of the two Fatah
victims, who had been killed during clashes in New Abasan on the previous
day.

It is noted that on Monday, 8 May 2006, armed confrontations between Fatah
and Hamas members resulted in three deaths and eleven injuries.

PCHR strongly condemns this violence, and:
1. calls on both sides to demonstrate calm and self-restraint.
Both sides should engage in dialogue in order to resolve the crisis and
ensure that it is not repeated in the future;
2. calls upon all national and Islamic parties to intervene in
order to ensure that the crisis does not escalate;
3. calls upon the Palestinian National Authority, represented by
the Attorney-General, to investigate these attacks and to bring the
perpetrators to justice; and
4. points to the escalating internal violence and misuse of
weapons by armed groups and individuals, which is causing further
deterioration in the current state of security chaos in the Occupied
Palestinian Territory.

#2 Security Chaos and Proliferation of Small Arms
Using Weapons in Personal and Clan Disputes

Field Update
10 May 2006

1 Citizen Killed and 4 Injured, including a 4-year-old girl, during a Clan
Dispute in Jenin

Yesterday afternoon one person was killed and four injured, including a
four-year-old girl, during an armed clash between the El-Arda and Lahlouh
clans in the town of Arraba, southwest of Jenin.

PCHR's initial investigation indicates that at approximately 16:30 on
Tuesday, 9 May 2006, an armed confrontation broke out between members of the
El-Arda and Lahlouh clans in the town of Arraba, southwest of Jenin. As a
result, Ibrahim Abed El-Haj Awad Lahlouh (24) was killed by a bullet to the
chest. Another four were injured, including a four-year-old girl. The
injured are:
- Jani Abdel Mun'im Arda, 4, injured by a bullet to her leg;
- Bahar Nouri Arda, 24, sustained a serious injury by a bullet to
the back;
- Mohannad Fayez Lahlouh, 27, injured by a bullet to the leg; and
- Mahmoud Orsan Lahlouh, 31, injured by a bullet to the leg.

The clashes erupted when the Lahlouh clan learned that their son, Jamal
Tawfiq Lahlouh, who is being treated in Jordan after sustaining a gunshot
wound, had to have his leg amputated. His injury had been sustained during
clashes between the two clans on 28 April 2006, which broke out with regard
to an old dispute. The fighting led to the injury of three members of the
Lahlouh clan, including Jamal and his brother.

PCHR is concerned about the continued internal violence, including the use
of weapons in personal and clan disputes, which is further aggravating the
state of security chaos in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The Centre
calls upon the PNA, represented by the Attorney-General, to investigate
these attacks and to bring the perpetrators to justice.

#3 Security Chaos and Proliferation of Small Arms
Attacking Public Institutions and Officials

Field Update
10 May 2006

Armed Group Attacks the Office of the Khan Yunis Mayor and Threatens to Kill
Him

Yesterday afternoon, an armed group attacked the Khan Yunis Municipality
building. The group stormed into the Mayor's office, while firing gunshots
into the air, and threatened to kill him.

PCHR's initial investigation indicates that at approximately 13:05 on
Tuesday, 9 May 2006, a group of about twenty gunmen attacked the
municipality building and fired gunshots into the air. The group then
stormed the office of the Mayor, Dr. Fayez Abu Shammala. They threatened to
kill the Mayor, if the municipality takes any action with regard to beach
cabins and tents, which have been taken over illegally by members of the
public, the security forces and various armed factions, on Khan Yunis beach.
The armed gunmen claimed to represent the cabin owners affected by the
municipality decision to issue a notice requesting that the cabin owners
"correct their legal situation and apply for the necessary permission".

It is noted that many citizens, as well as members of armed groups and the
security forces, have seized cabins built on the beach and have also set up
rest areas for beach goers expected to fill the beach this summer.

PCHR strongly condemns this attack, which is a further incident in the
security chaos currently plaguing the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The
Centre calls upon the Palestinian National Authority, represented by the
Attorney-General, to investigate these attacks and to bring the perpetrators
to justice.

Public Document
**************************************
For more information please call PCHR office in Gaza, Gaza Strip, on +972 8
2824776 - 2825893
PCHR, 29 Omer El Mukhtar St., El Remal, PO Box 1328 Gaza, Gaza Strip.
E-mail: pchr@pchrgaza.org, Webpage http://www.pchrgaza.org
-----------------------------------
If you got this forwarded and you want to subscribe, send mail to
request@pchrgaza.org
and write "subscribe" in the subject line.

------------------------------

From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: Text: Pres. of Iran to Pres. Bush
- Israel not even cited in concluding list of complaints

IMRA: It's not about Israel.

It is important to note that while Iranian President Ahmadinejad does
mentioned Israel in his letter that the laundry list of problems that he
cites at the conclusion of the letter does not specifically mention Israel.

Put simply: if Israel didn't exist then people like Iranian President
Ahmadinejad would be just as angry at the West as he is today.]

Letter of President Ahmadinejad of Iran to US President George Bush
[With thanks to MidEastWeb
www.mideastweb.org/ahmadinejad_letter_to_bush.htm ]

...Mr. President,

History tells us that repressive and cruel governments do not survive. God
has entrusted the fate of men to them. The Almighty has not left the
universe and humanity to their own devices. Many things have happened
contrary to the wishes and plans of governments. These tell us that there is
a higher power at work and all events are determined by Him.

Can one deny the signs of change in the world today?

Is the situation of the world today comparable to that of 10 years ago?
Changes happen fast and come at a furious pace.

The people of the world are not happy with the status quo and pay little
heed to the promises and comments made by a number of influential world
leaders. Many people around the world feel insecure and oppose the spreading
of insecurity and war and do not approve of and accept dubious policies.

The people are protesting the increasing gap between the haves and the
have-nots and the rich and poor countries.

The people are disgusted with increasing corruption.

The people of many countries are angry about the attacks on their cultural
foundations and the disintegration of families. They are equally dismayed
with the fading of care and compassion. The people of the world have no
faith in international organizations, because their rights are not advocated
by these organizations.

Liberalism and Western-style democracy have not been able to help realize
the ideals of humanity. Today these two concepts have failed. Those with
insight can already hear the sounds of the shattering and fall of the
ideology and thoughts of the Liberal democratic systems.

We increasingly see that people around the world are flocking towards a main
focal point -- that is the Almighty God. Undoubtedly through faith in God
and the teachings of the prophets, the people will conquer their problems.
My question for you is: "Do you not want to join them?"

Mr. President,

Whether we like it or not, the world is gravitating toward faith in the
Almighty, and justice and the will of God will prevail over all things.

------------------------------

From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: IDF Targets Structure Used for Terror
Activity in the Gaza Strip

May 10th 2006
IDF SPOKESPERSON ANNOUNCEMENT

IDF targets structure used for terror activity in the southern Gaza Strip

Following the continued terror activity directed against Israeli
communities, including the firing of projectile rockets which have caused
repeated damages to civilian infrastructure, the IDF carried out an aerial
attack tonight, May 10 th 2006, targeting a Fatah structure in the southern
Gaza Strip.

The targeted structure was used by the "Abu Rish" faction of Fatah as a
staging ground for attacks against Israel.

------------------------------

From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: Excerpts: Trouble in Egypt.
Hamas plots to attack in Jordan. 11 May 2006

Excerpts: Trouble in Egypt. Hamas plots to attack in Jordan. 11 May 2006

+++AL-AHRAM WEEKLY 4-10 May '06: "In Focus: Moses' staff"
HEADING:"Commitment and determination, so far missing at the top, are
paramount if Egypt is to steer its way through these current turbulent
waters, writes Galal Nassar."

QUOTES FROM TEXT:
"Tensions appear to be reaching breaking point. ...today confusion seems
to reign at the helm".
"power struggle at work within the ruling elite"
"the government need ... dedication to really solving our problems"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXCERPTS:
Although Egypt is no stranger to political unrest,... .. Tensions appear to
be reaching breaking point. Whereas in the past there always seemed to be
someone who saw the bigger picture and took control of the ship to steer us
clear of danger, today confusion seems to reign at the helm.
...a lack of transparency and what appears to be deliberate foot-dragging in
the fulfilment of pressing public demands and you get nothing less than
anarchy in the management of crises that are coming one on top of the other.
... power struggle at work within the ruling elites ...regardless of its
impact on public welfare and the fate of our country ... .
Where are the reforms we have been waiting for? ... What is being done about
that rampant corruption ... rubbed off on the reform process itself ... .
... In whose interest is it that government officials seem to vanish in
times of crisis instead of explaining to us what is going on, or that the
government issues conflicting decisions based on information that we know
nothing about or whose facts and figures are fudged if released to the
public at all? Who does it serve when the executive branch clashes with the
judiciary or with the press?
Indeed, why are we still living under a state of emergency? Who does this
serve ... time for Egyptians to live under normal law.
. . .whose interests is it that legitimate political parties are weakened
and undermined, strengthening the hand of underground movements and,
simultaneously, aggravating the climate of repression? Who stands to gain by
prohibiting politics on university campuses, leaving students prey to a
single ideological trend and a single political force that excels in working
in the dark?
Why are the press and media establishments in Egypt still subordinate to the
state, ensuring a constant drone of propaganda justifying the government's
confused and contradictory policies? ... ... .The government has some
extremely crucial problems ...time for it to tackle these problems head on;
... ..
What the government needs, perhaps, is something in the way of Moses' staff.
...a sincere commitment to clear and effective solutions. ...the dedication
to really solving our problems.

+++JORDN TIMES 11 May '06"
"Jordan arrests 20 over Hamas' plots, seizes Iranian-made rockets" by Khaled
Nuaimat
Heading:"Confessions of some detainees to be televised today on Jordan TV"
QUOTES FROM TEXT"
" arrested 20 suspects and seized smuggled Iranian-made Katyusha rockets
... Hamas' plots to attack ... targets in Jordan."
" ' 'this poses a major threat to the national securty of Jordan ' "
" ' last month ...explosives seized ...had been smuggled from Syria"

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FULL TEXT:
AMMAN - The government on Wednesday said authorities arrested 20 suspects
and seized smuggled Iranian-made Katyusha rockets in its investigation into
Hamas' plots to attack officials, military officers and other targets in
Jordan.
Government Spokesperson Nasser Judeh told reporters yesterday (10 May) that
the probe also revealed attempts to recruit individuals in Jordan on behalf
of Hamas and bring recruits from the Palestinian territories to send them to
Syria and Iran to receive "military, security and intelligence" training.
Judeh said confessions of some of the detainees will be televised today on
Jordan Television.
Judeh, who did not accuse Syria or Iran of involvement in arms smuggling or
training of suspects, said a Palestinian security team headed by
intelligence chief Major General Tareq Abu Rajab is currently in Amman to
examine the issue. Top General Intelligence Department officials briefed Abu
Rajab and his team on Hamas' plots, the minister said.
Judeh yesterday called on the Hamas-led government to reconsider its refusal
to take part in the delegation.
The Katyusha rockets and LAW anti-tank missiles were stockpiled in Jordan,
Judeh said, adding that the government suspects that more hidden weapons
have yet to be found.
He added that the Palestinian government will be asked to dispatch military
experts to help uncover the arms.
"This poses a major threat to the national security of Jordan, and those
behind it will be held accountable," Judeh warned.
The government said last month rocket launchers, detonators and explosives
seized from a secret Hamas arms cache in the country had been smuggled from
Syria, where the Palestinian group's exiled leadership is based. It
announced the arrest of Hamas members who received orders from a Syria-based
leader to carry out attacks in the Kingdom. Hamas repeatedly denied any
involvement.
After the arms cache discovery, Jordan cancelled a planned visit by
Palestinian Foreign Minister Mahmoud Zahar.

Sue Lerner - Associate, IMRA

------------------------------

From: imra-owner@imra.org.il
Subject: IMRA Subscription Info

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------------------------------

End of [imra] Daily digest - Volume: 2 Issue: 1388 (10 messages)
**********